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LIVERPOOL’S VIRGIN FILMMAKERS OFFERED FUNDING
UP to 10 Northwest filmmakers are
being offered the chance to take their next steps up the
movie-making ladder, with the announcement by regional screen
agency, Northwest Vision and Media, of its Virgin Shorts 2008
scheme.
“As the title suggests, this scheme is for filmmakers who have
yet to receive funding from us, so it offers a fantastic opportunity
for people to really make their mark,” explains Tom Gabbutt,
Talent Development Executive at Northwest Vision and Media, which
works on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content
industries. “We’re looking to support filmmakers from
across the Northwest, which includes Greater Manchester, Liverpool,
Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire. That’s why Virgin Shorts is
such a great way for us to get to know about the fantastic film
talent out there who have not yet made contact with us, but who
would benefit from the range of services a regional screen agency
like Vision and Media can offer,” adds Tom.
“We’re looking for new, interesting filmmakers who want to develop
their skills and talent to the next level by making a Virgin Short.
Although we’re hoping to make contact with lots of new talent, all
applicants must have previously made their own short film, perhaps
at school, college or even on a mobile phone.”
Northwest-based teams of producer/director/writer are encouraged to
apply to Virgin Shorts, although applications will be considered
from individuals. After short-listing and panel interviews, 10
filmmakers will then be offered funding of up to £2,500 to make
their new, original short film in either drama, animation or
documentary. “The aim of this scheme is to find Northwest
filmmakers we’ve not yet had the opportunity to work with, and to
offer them funding and support in their filmmaking aspirations.
As the maximum award we can make is £2,500 we
want people to consider stories and ideas that can realistically be
made within this budget, shot on either digital video or film.
Applicants should also have the experience and ability to produce
their film in their preferred media.” said Tom.
· The deadline for Virgin Shorts applications is 12 noon on Monday
17 March 2008.
Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend an
interview in early April, where they will have the opportunity to
pitch their film idea to a panel of industry experts.
For more
information, please visit:-
www.visionandmedia.co.uk.
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BUSY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS GET HELP TO KEEP ABREAST OF EMPLOYMENT
LAW
BUSY voluntary
organisations are putting themselves and their staff at risk by
failing to keep abreast of changes to key employment legislation,
according to new research published by the Church Urban Fund.
Over 60% of the 200 faith-based projects that were surveyed recorded
that they have not changed their HR policies following the
introduction of the Working Time (Annual Leave) Amendment. A further
54% have ignored the Health Act 2006, 49% the Employment Equality
(Age) Regulations and 46% the Disability Discrimination Act. The
cause of non-compliance can be attributed to the lack of HR resource
available to community projects.
The research was undertaken by Church Urban Fund, as part of a new
project to support England’s faith-based community organisations.
The Church Urban Fund has developed ‘Just Employment’, a
comprehensive free HR resource for employing staff in response to
the challenges the third sector faces in an increasingly litigious
society.
Almost 60% of those surveyed have no access to any professional
in-house HR resource, yet almost 30% have had to deal with disputes
brought by staff in the last 5 years. There was evidence that
projects rely on informal methods, including family and friends and
online resources, to keep up to date with employment regulations.
Tim Bissett, deputy chief executive at Church Urban Fund, says:-
“We know how difficult it is for busy faith-based organisations
to keep abreast of current employment practice and Church Urban Fund
is here to help with more than just money. Just Employment provides
an invaluable resource, particularly for church based projects, that
enables them to easily keep their employment procedures up to date.”
Liz Geddes, Human Resources Adviser to the Dioceses of Chester,
Liverpool and Manchester, says:- “There are numerous risks
that an employer must face, and it appears that voluntary groups are
extremely vulnerable to HR issues. This sector can least afford to
be sued, however lack-of funds, staff and time prevent them from
safeguarding themselves. From accidentally employing a volunteer to
incorrect interview questions, the danger to organisations is not
just financial, but also to the reputation of the project within the
community.”
Just Employment has been created by experts in human resources in
conjunction with lead officers from the Dioceses of Chester,
Liverpool and Manchester who work regularly with faith-based social
action organisations. The resource will help small Christian based
community projects to follow best practice, whether they are
employing people for the first time or are already employing staff
and working with volunteers. These materials are aimed to reassure
small community and voluntary organisations giving them extra
confidence as employers.
Just Employment’ is available by registering on the Church Urban
Fund Xchange
website. The full
resource includes a main guide, frequently asked questions and
example case studies, as well as a library of documents that can be
downloaded and customised for use by community organisations. These
include suggested letters, contracts and policies and procedures,
covering areas such as Health and Safety and Disciplinary and
Grievance procedures. |
